Senior Graphic Designer

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Location: Houston, Texas

Type: Full-time | Onsite | Manufacturing Facility

Hardman Signs is a national leader in architectural signage and graphics. We design, manufacture, install, and service high-impact signage solutions for commercial properties, multi-family housing, healthcare facilities, parking garages, and more. We partner with leading construction companies and architectural design firms to bring signage visions to life—from concept to installation.

We are seeking a Senior Graphic Designer to serve as a technical and creative anchor for our Houston design team. The ideal candidate brings a "specialized layer" of expertise, capable of leading major projects (such as medical campuses) while mentoring junior design staff to ensure long-term departmental growth.

Job Summary The Senior Graphic Designer oversees the full lifecycle of the design process, with a heavy emphasis on large-scale wayfinding and high-level conceptualization. This role acts as a bridge between client vision and technical execution, ensuring all designs are visually elite, structurally buildable, and compliant with all local codes and ADA standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Strategic Wayfinding & UX: Lead the development of comprehensive wayfinding systems for complex environments, ensuring intuitive navigation and high-impact visual communication.
• Senior Technical Oversight: Translate complex architectural concepts into precise, fabrication-ready shop drawings. Review and approve technical specifications for material callouts, mounting, and electrical requirements.
• Mentorship & Leadership: Serve as a technical resource and mentor for junior and mid-level designers. Assist in establishing design standards, workflow efficiencies, and best practices for the department.
• Manufacturing & Engineering Synergy: Maintain an expert-level understanding of sign construction. Optimize complex files for CNC routers, Zund cutters, and large-format production while minimizing material waste.
• Project Leadership: Independently manage the highest-priority accounts, moving projects from initial bid/discovery through final technical documentation with minimal oversight.
• Regulatory & ADA Mastery: Serve as the internal subject matter expert on ADA compliance, municipal zoning, and permit requirements for all design packages.
• Field Engagement: Lead site walks and field surveys (up to 25%) to assess architectural conditions and ensure installation feasibility for high-complexity projects.

Education and Experience Required

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Architecture, or Fine Arts (MFA preferred) with 10 years of sign-industry experience; OR 15 years of specialized experience in the Houston signage market.
• Software Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in CorelDRAW, Adobe Creative Suite, and technical design software.
• Portfolio: Must demonstrate a deep portfolio of "buildable" architectural signage and large-scale wayfinding projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with 3D rendering and environmental graphics tools.
• Background in mentoring junior staff or leading design workflows.
• Deep knowledge of LED illumination, specialized substrates, and structural mounting.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary: Commensurate with senior-level experience.
• Benefits: 401(k) with company match, PTO, and comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision.
• Growth: Opportunity to shape the long-term design strategy and succession plan of a national industry leader.